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Taking A Dust Free Asbestos Sample Without A Coring Tool (Tape And Slide Technique)
August 24, 2017
Using a coring tool is an easy way to limit excessive dust and debris from falling on the floor when taking asbestos samples from a wall. However, there is another way to take a sample with out spilling drywall or plaster dust on the floor. All that is needed is a sample bag, utility knife, and a role of tape (red abatement tape is best!).

Open your sample bag and simply tape the edge of one side of the bag to the wall directly below your intended sampling cut. Cut your sample out of the wall (its easier to pull a triangle cut out of the wall then a square one) and allow for the debris to slide down your tape and directly into your bag. Next, wet wipe any dust off the tape and then simply place the tape (with sampling identification number) over your sampling cavity to cover.

Asbestos In Ceiling Tiles
June 12, 2017
Asbestos in ceiling tiles. Home inspectors (on home purchases) will often list ceiling tiles as a suspect containing building material on their home inspection reports. Although ceiling tiles may contain asbestos, it is more common to find asbestos in the ceiling tile glue dots rather than the ceiling tiles, themselves. When inspecting ceiling tiles, it is important to verify if the tiles are part of a true drop ceiling or not. If they are actually glued to a drywall or plaster ceiling, then the glue should be analyzed as well.

Demolition Notification Applications (for Colorado state demolition permits)
May 13, 2016
State Demolition Notification Applications (for Colorado state demolition permits) must be signed by the asbestos inspector in original blue ink before a demolition permit can be issued. An inspector can only sign the Demolition Notification Application after all asbestos containing materials (ACM) have been removed from the building (with some non-friable ACM exceptions) and only after all other sections of the permit are filled out. The asbestos inspector can not submit a permit application on behalf of the owner or contractor. A copy of the Demolition Notification Application can be found here: Colorado Department of Environmental Health and Environment (CDPHE).

Taking Your Own Asbestos Samples
March 14, 2016
Anyone can take asbestos samples to a laboratory for analysis. However, your asbestos report will only be accepted by a contractor or permitting office if the inspection was performed by a state certified asbestos inspector. Hiring a state certified asbestos inspector will ensure that samples and documentation will be done according to all applicable state and federal regulations.

If you do not require a state certified report and are seeking a laboratory to have samples tested yourself, there are several excellent laboratories around town such as Reservoirs Environmental, EMSL Analytical or Aerobiology Laboratories.

Getting An Asbestos Inspection When Purchasing a home
February 19, 2016
It is a good idea to get an asbestos inspection prior to purchasing a home if allowed by the seller. An inspection can alert the buyer to potential hazards in the home and can help the buyer avoid expensive asbestos related accidents or mistakes during future remodeling and demolition activities associated with the property.

Sellers will often not allow complete inspections of the properties due to the destructive nature of sampling (removing a series of 1”-2” samples from walls, ceilings, floors, etc. throughout the home). Sellers will usually allow limited inspections and samplings such as popcorn ceilings, attic insulation, floor tile, ductwork wrappings and other inspections that are less damaging to the property as a whole.

Have a conversation with the seller about any previous asbestos inspections or past remodeling histories. Knowing as much about your home’s history as possible can help you save thousands of dollars on your investment.